The Soroptimist Grange-over-Sands Mental Health and Wellbeing event brought together powerful personal stories, practical support services and inspiring examples of hope, resilience and community connection.The day opened with Tim Farron, who set the tone with a thoughtful and challenging introduction. Tim spoke about how society is becoming more comfortable talking about mental health, whilst at the same time creating conditions that increasingly damage it, particularly for young people. Drawing on his work supporting families in crisis, he stressed the importance not only of responding to serious mental ill health, but of building resilience before people reach breaking point. He highlighted the vital role that community, outdoor activity and human connection play in emotional wellbeing, warning that overprotecting younger generations may have left them less equipped to cope with adversity. Comparing physical first aid with “mental health first aid”, Tim encouraged everyone to recognise signs of

A story trail round the library? What a great idea! Grange-over-Sands have tended the flower beds there for many years, and even provided benches to sit on. So we were delighted to be invited to be involved with planting plans that involved local history as well. We quickly learned that each planned new bed would tell a different story. Some would involve local people and some local legends. And with as the seasons changed, and the planting changed to match, so the story boards at each one would change to tell a different tale. Our team of experienced gardeners were joined by our new member Jeni McConnell. Jenni’s experience as a socially engaged artist in areas rural and urban gave rise to great new ideas. The result? A trail which encompasses the work of local artists, gardeners and school children, and brings the past into

Nine Grange-over-Sands Soroptimists joined forces with Barrow Women’s Centre (Women’s Community Matters) on a march through Barrow to mark International Women’s Day. The parade was festive as marchers fell in step to the fabulous, exciting beat of the  Boom Dang Drummers*. We made our mark too with our banners and our bright blue gilets. As we progressed through the town we were joined by women and girls passing by. The grand finale was at Barrow Centre, where we greeted was fine refreshments and a fantastic singer. We had a great time, but always in the knowledge that in today’s world, banging the drum for women’s rights is as vital as ever it was.

What better time than 8th March to celebrate the contributions two of our members are making to the worlds of science and medicine? Sarah Neill, Marine Biologist and Honorary Member of our club, is currently in Antarctica. Following in the steps of Shackleton, she and the rest of the all-women team are on a mission to document climate change, study marine life and of course honour female polar explorers. The team will document the warming of the  Southern Ocean, conduct underwater research and promote STEAM*  leadership for women. To describe the fascinating things they are doing and seeing would take too long here, but you can follow their progress, and see some truly inspiring photographs here: https://www.facebook.com/sarah.neill.1612 Helen Cooper, one of our newest members has recently returned to Africa for two months to work with disabled children. An occupational therapist, Helen has recently spent a

The fashions might have been very different, but in 1954 the founding members of Grange-over-Sands Soroptimists were already rolling their sleeves up. It was still hard times in England and abroad, the cold and hungry needed money and blankets, and the women were determined to do their bit. That year donations were sent to Australia for the relief of flood victims, 2 guide dogs were purchased, and gifts delivered to the elderly and lonely in the town.  70 years on, and Grange members have celebrated their Platinum Jubilee, but still no time to put theoir feet up. According to most of the members “that is what it’s all about”, whether it be swimming to supply shelterboxes with emergency supplies in Gaza, gardening to maintain a sensory garden as a peaceful haven in the town, sewing drainage bags for mastectomy patients, or cantering around Cartmel Racecourse